Dear Friends,

It's almost here! Summer is almost upon us and the Avista is gearing up for what we hope to be a very busy summer! With the opening of the Hard Rock Park and Market Commons, there are new and exciting things to do at the beach! So what are you waiting for? Come on down for some fun in the sun!

Until then,
The Avista Staff

Shag D.J.
Check out the poolside fun that was had April 25th at the Avista! To get the party started, Avista provided a D.J. that spun the right beach tunes to get folks singing along and tapping their toes!

Balloons, Balloons, Balloons!
Everyone loves balloons, right? Well, now you can get them from the Front Desk at the Avista! While we have always offered balloons as part of our honeymoon and romance packages, now you can get purchase them at the Front Desk for other occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries... or just because! We offer 18" Mylar balloons and a variety of latex colored and printed balloons. Don't forget that if you need more than just balloons for your occasion, the Avista Concierge will be glad to assist you with purchasing flowers or even a birthday cake! If you would like to reserve your balloons in advance or make special arrangements for your special occasion, contact the Avista Reservations Department or the Avista Concierge at concierge@avistaresort.com.

Employee Spotlight
This month we would like it introduce or new intern Naomi Abresch from Vlaardingen, Netherlands. For those of you who are not fluent in Dutch, phonetically she's from Flar-ding-en, Netherlands. Naomi is 19 years old and is here with the American Hospitality Academy. She has a little sister who is 16 years old and her boyfriend serves in the Royal Dutch Army. Naomi is very athletic and enjoys kickboxing, surfing, snowboarding and most any other sport! This is her first time to Myrtle Beach and to the United States. Her favorite things about Myrtle Beach so far are Broadway at the Beach and, of course, the beach! Naomi says that the biggest difference between the Netherlands and the United States for her is the food. Her goal is to try all of the fast food Myrtle Beach has to offer. Naomi has fit right with the Front Desk who she calls helpful and fun to work with. In the future, Naomi would like to own her own Event Coordinating/Catering company. While in Myrtle Beach, she plans to surf as much as she can, learn to play golf, and she would like to meet as many of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans as possible! She is also big fan of American cinema and television. Her favorite show? Grey's Anatomy, of course! Next time you are at the Avista, stop by the Front Desk and say "Hi" to Naomi! Don't worry, it's the same in English as it is in Dutch!

The three words coworkers use to describe Naomi are: Friendly, Interesting and Outgoing.

Thanks!
To the groups who stayed with us in the month of May: Benchmark Management, Southeastern Safety & Security Healthcare Council, Waterdog Promotions, Fort Bragg Federal Credit Union, Seymour Johnson Airforce Base, Atalaya Property Management, Inc., Veteran's Golf Classic, Glorious Church, Brownsville Missionary Baptist Church & Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Best Wishes!
The following couples celebrated their wedding here at the Avista during the month of May. Congratulations, and many happy returns!

5/17/08
Mr.& Mrs. Travis John
Mr. & Mrs. David Fitzgerald
Mr. & Mrs. Charley Penley
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Schulmeister

5/31/08 Mr. & Mrs. Brian Kepple

Abbey Around Town- Hard Rock Park
On a cool night in May, my best friend and I made our first trip to the Hard Rock Park. Needless to say, it won't be the last. We attended what was called the park's "Sound Check." This was a chance to go to the park before the Grand Opening. Immediately, we made a beeline to Led Zeppelin The Ride, which is the park's biggest roller coaster. This coaster is not for those with a weak stomach, in fact I prayed from the moment we left the platform to the moment we exited the ride. For those of you seeking a tamer ride, I suggest Eagles Life In The Fast Lane, which is filled with ups and downs and twists and turns! The park is filled with restaurants, shops, and shows! In fact, I think I missed half of things to do there! So if you are looking for something different to do next time you are in town, check out the Hard Rock Park. For more information on the park, visit www.hardrockpark.com.

Sleep Well
We're very happy to announce that almost every condo has now been upgraded with the new luxurious mattress and box spring sets! The engineering staff worked hard getting everything coordinated to cause the least disruption, and also to ensure that the older mattresses were put to good use. Several local charities came by and picked up some of the still-usable sets to use in their shelters and for some area families suffering hardships. We hope everyone enjoys many nights of restful slumber…sweet dreams.

4th of July Celebration
Join in on the fun at Avista for our 3nd annual 4th of July Celebration! There will be fun for the whole family pool side on the 4th of July! Children activities are tentatively scheduled from 10 am - 8 pm. DJ Cecil Chandler will be live pool side 1 pm - 5 pm on the 4th of July. Pool grill menu will also be available with hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries and salads! Don't forget the pool bar will be open for you to purchase your frozen beach drink to sip on while lounging by the pool. Not to mention...Cherry Grove will have fireworks which can be viewed from our pool deck or your balconies beginning at 9:30 pm. To book online, click here

Sun Fun Festival
With a new location, the 57th Annual Sun Fun Festival is sure to delight! Moving from Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach to the brand new Grand Park on the former Air Force Base, this new and exciting location allows the fun to last all summer with free family friendly events, concerts and much more. It also allows for not only the traditional events that have made the Sun Fun Festival a Myrtle Beach tradition, but also for room to grow and new events. The Sun Fun Festival kicks off on June 5. Don't miss it! For more information visit www.sunfunfestival.com.

I'd like to solve the puzzle. Pelican's host All-Star Game!
The Myrtle Beach Pelican's will be hosting the California vs. Carolina League All-Star Game on June 24th at BB&T Coastal Field. Joining the All Stars will be Vanna White, North Myrtle Beach's favorite daughter, who will be throwing out the first pitch! You never know whom you will see at the All-Star game and what they will become! Check out some of the player who have played for the Carolina League: Carl Yastrzemski (1959), Mel Stottlemyre (1962), Johnny Bench (1966), Wade Boggs (1977), Lenny Dykstra (1983), Javy Lopez (1991), Jorge Posada (1993), Johnny Damon (1994), Aramis Ramirez (1997), Marcus Giles (1999) and Jeff Franceour (2004). For more information about the All-Star Game visit www.myrtlebeachpelicans.com.

Click here to book our special baseball package now!

6/05-6/09 Sun Fun Festival
Come out and kick-off another great summer season with celebrity meet and greet events, 5k Beach Run & Walk, Sun Fun pageants, Jet Ski Racing Championship, Hot Air Balloon and Boat Rides, Arts and Crafts Vendors and much much more... Visit sunfunfestival.com for more information and event locations.

6/06-6/07 Corvettes at Myrtle Beach
All Corvettes Car Show - For event details and registration information please visit myrtlebeachcorvetteclub.com

6/07 American Pie Oldies Music Fest
12:00pm - La Belle Amie Vineyard
For more information please visit llabelleamie.com

6/13 House of Blues hosts Eddie Money
Concert tickets range from $17.50 - $50.00 per person. Showtime begins at 8:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase at hob.com or call the box office at (843) 272-3000.

6/13 Alabama Theater hosts Platters, Drifters and Sonny Turner
Concert tickets range from $38.60 - $43.95 per person. Showtime begins at 7:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase at Alabama-theater.com or call the box office at (843) 272-1111 or (800)342-2262.

6/20 Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Coconut Grove presents your favorite sounds of Motown, 60's, 70's and Oldies.
7:00 - 9:00pm - McLean Park - Corner of 2nd Avenue South & Oak Drive
Admission is free. Concessions will be sold by the North Stand Optimist Club.

6/21 First Blush of Summer Fest
12:00pm - La Belle Amie Vineyard
For more information please visit labelleamie.com